BBC experts predict Super Bowl 61 contenders
BBC NFL analysts have made their picks for the 2026 season, with many favouring the Los Angeles Rams from the NFC and the Buffalo Bills from the AFC. Josh Allen is tipped to finally reach the Super Bowl, while the Rams are seen as strong favourites. The season begins this week.
Last season's chaos—seven of eight division winners changing and both the Ravens and Chiefs missing the playoffs—explains why analysts hedge their picks. The Seahawks' championship after a 12-year drought demonstrates how quickly league fortunes can turn.
Several factors shape this year's forecasts. The Rams acquired Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade, and Super Bowl 61 will be played at their home stadium, SoFi, where they won in 2022. The Bills promoted Joe Brady to head coach, while the Broncos may draw motivation from Bo Nix's playoff injury. MVP speculation centers on quarterbacks like Allen, Herbert, and Prescott.
This story could shape fan expectations and betting patterns as the season opens. The consensus around the Rams and Bills may influence media coverage and public discourse, while the acknowledgment of last season's unpredictability serves as a reminder that even expert forecasts carry uncertainty. The focus on Josh Allen's quest could also amplify interest in his personal narrative, drawing casual viewers into the broader season-long storyline.